Derek M. Engel, M.S., P.E., CFEI
Managing Engineer @ Gexcon US
Location: Boston
Office: +1 (301) 915 9923
Email: derek@gexcon.com
Expert in mechanical, thermofluidic, and fire protection engineering.
About Mr. Engel
Derek Engel is a Managing Engineer within the Explosion and Fire Safety group at Gexcon US. He specialises in mechanical, thermolfludic and fire protection engineering.
Mr. Engel is responsible for fire and explosion-related activities as well as safety studies for various industries. Using the world-leading FLACS software, he has conducted studies that include explosion risk analysis and toxic gas distribution. He also has experience using FLACS for cause and origin investigation for accidents in residences and various commercial operations including mining operations and dust/pulp processing facilities. Mr. Engel also has experience in the testing and analysis of HVAC systems including experience in carbon monoxide production and dispersion through such systems.
Mr. Engel has also spent time in Norway developing modelling skills for use with FLACS, focusing on modelling large process facilities both on and offshore, including probabilistic-based methods. These skills have been applied to a wide variety of projects including floating production, storage and offloading vessels and LNG liquefaction plants. Prior to joining Gexcon, Mr. Engel had worked in various fields including aerospace, biomedical, natural gas utility, as well as, accident investigation and analysis.
More information
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1Area of expertise
Aerospace engineering.
Carbon monoxide.
Chemical engineering.
Combustion, thermal and fluid processes.
Dust explosion.
Explosion.
Fire cause and origin.
Hydrogen.
Industrial fire.
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).
Lithium-ion battery.
Mechanical engineering.
Process safety and risk management.
Residential fire.
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2Academic credentials
B.S., Mechanical Engineering with Physics Minor, Northeastern University, 2008
M.S. Fire Protection Engineering, University of Maryland, 2012
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3Licences and certifications
Professional Engineer, State of Maryland #404626, in accordance with the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation
Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) in accordance with the National Association of Fire Investigators National Certification Board per NFPA 921 Section 13.6.4.2
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4Professional affiliations
National Association of Fire Investigators—NAFI (member)
Society of Fire Protection Engineering – SFPE (member)
American Institute of Chemical Engineers – AIChE (member)
National Fire Protection Association – NFPA (member)
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5Publications and conference proceedings
Detector Location Analysis. NFPA Fire Protection Research Foundation report. August, 2020
Davis, SG, Engel, D, van Wingerden, K, & Merilo, E (2017). Can gases behave like explosives: Large-scale deflagration to detonation testing. Journal of Fire Science. Volume 35, Issue 5, September 5, 2017: pp. 434-454. https://doi.org/10.1177/073490...
Davis, S.G., Merilo, E., Engel, D., van Wingerden, K., Large Scale Detonation Testing: New Findings in the predictions of DDTs at large scales, Proceedings, October 2016, Mary Kay O’Connor Process Safety Center International Symposium, College Station, TX.
Davis, S.G., DeBold, T., Engel, D., Are liquid propane leaks really 270 times larger than gas? Case study regarding the physics of liquid and gas propane leaks., Paper presented at ISFI meeting, Scottsdale, AZ, USA, Sept 12-14, 2016.
Davis, S.G., Engel, D., Groethe, M., van Wingerden, K., Large Scale Deflagration to Detonation Testing, Proceedings, 11th International Symposium on Hazards, Prevention, and Mitigation of Industrial Explosions, July 24-26, Dalian, China
Davis, S.G., Groethe, M., Engel, D., van Wingerden, K, Large Scale Testing - Development of Advanced CFD Tools for the Enhanced Prediction of Explosion Pressure, Offshore Technology Conference Proceedings, May 2-5 2016, Houston, TX
Davis S.G., Engel D., van Wingerden K., Large Scale Detonation Testing – RPSEA Project Award. Proceedings, October 2015, Mary Kay O’Connor Process Safety Center International Symposium, College Station, TX.
Davis S.G., Engel D., van Wingerden K., Complex Explosion Development in Mines: Case Study—2010 Upper Big Branch Mine Explosion, Process Safety Progress, September 2015, 34 (3), pg. 286-303.
Engel, D., Davis S.G., Challenges of Explosion Risk Management in Arctic Environments. Proceedings, October 2014, Mary Kay O’Connor Process Safety Center International Symposium, College Station, TX.
Engel, D., Davis, S.G., Testing Your Ignition Source Theory: Case Study of Alleged Wood Ignition by Hot Exhaust Gases, Paper presented at ISFI meeting, College Park, MD, USA, Sept 22-24, 2014.
Davis, S.G., Engel, D., DeBold, T., Hinze, P., Hendrickson, B., Misuse of Simple Explosion Tools in Complex Explosion Investigations, Paper presented at ISFI meeting, College Park, MD, USA, Sept 22-24, 2014.
Davis, S.G., DeBold, T., Engel, D., Hendrickson, B., Hinze, P., A Case Study of an Alleged CO Poisoning In A Moving Truck, Paper presented at ISFI meeting, College Park, MD, USA, Sept 22-24, 2014.
Rosas, C., Davis, S., Engel, D., Middha, P., van Wingerden, K., Mannan, M.S., Deflagration to detonation transitions (DDTs): Predicting DDTs in hydrocarbon explosions, Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries, July 2014, Vol. 30, pg. 263-274
Engel D., Davis S.G., Optimization of Carbon Monoxide Detector Layout in Residential Structures, Proceedings, International Symposium on Fire Investigation Science and Technology, Hyattsville, MD, 2012
Davis S.G., Engel D., Hansen O.R., Case study summary of dryer explosion and venting design Process Safety Progress, December 2010, 29 (4), pg. 345-348
Davis, S.G., Engel, D., Gavelli, F., Hinze, P., and Hansen, O.R., Advanced Methods for Determining the Origin of Vapor Cloud Explosions Case Study: 2006 Danvers Explosion Investigation, Paper presented at ISFI meeting, Hyattsville, USA, Sept 27-29, 2010.
Davis SG, Engel, D, Hansen, OR. Dust or Gas Explosion: Case Study of Dryer Explosion and Design Venting, 6th Global Congress on Process Safety, American Institute of Chemical Engineers Spring National Meeting, San Antonio, TX, 2010
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6Prior experience
Public Utilities Engineer at the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (2018-2019)
Project Engineer at National Grid PLC, Gas Distribution Department (2008-2009)
